Shimizu finishes second in 100m Breaststroke heat
WHETHER it was live and in person or watching it on television, together with the rest of the world, many of our island residents were able to witness the opening of the 2012 Summer Olympic games in London on Saturday.
Before the parade of nations took place, family, friends and sports fans were treated to a very unique spectacle as a series of events and entertainment was put together for all to enjoy.
As the parade of nations began, thousands of athletes emerged around Olympic Stadium greeting all while displaying their nation’s colors with pride.
For a little island thousands of miles away from London, the Guam delegation stood out brilliantly despite being cut off on television due to a commercial break. Part of the delegation was the elite eight athletes who will be representing our island. Here’s a look at the eight ambassadors from “Where America’s Day Begins.”
Pilar Shimizu
Swimming in the 100m Breaststroke, Shimizu started things off for Team Guam as she opened her Olympic debut swimming in the first heat. Shimizu swam a superb race and nearly pulled out a first-place finish in her heat. After touching the wall, Shimizu’s official race time was recorded at 1:15.76 which was good enough for second place in the heat behind Bosnia’s Ivana Ninkovic who finished in 1:14.04. The 16-year-old St. Thomas of Aquinas student managed to beat out six other competitors in her respective heat.
Chris Duenas
One of the island’s three athletes representing Guam in swimming competition, Duenas will be making his second straight appearance in the Olympics where the 20-year-old will be competing in the 100m Freestyle. Hoping to set an example for athletes following suit, Duenas will hit the pool tomorrow at 7 p.m. Guam time and will be swimming in heat number three.
Benjamin Schulte
Schulte, the youngest male athlete from the Guam team, will be competing in a vigorous 10K swim marathon. Formerly of Tamuning, Schulte lives in Australia and has gone through a tremendous amount of training in the waters. Still a member of the Guam Tarakito Swim Club, the 16-year-old will be competing on Aug. 10 at 9 p.m. Guam time.
Derek Mandell
Taking part in his second stint in the Summer Games, Mandell is one of two representatives in Track & Field. After setting a personal best at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Mandell looks to continue making great strides in the 800m run. Round one of his event is set to happen on Aug. 6 at 7:50 p.m. Guam time.
Amy Atkinson
Joining Mandell on the track will be Atkinson. The 22-year-old Biola University graduate will be running the 800m run and has her eyes set on setting a new Guam record as well as representing the island the best way she can. Atkinson will begin her Olympic games on Aug. 8 at 8:35 p.m. Guam time.
Ric Blas Jr.
After making waves at previous Olympics, Blas looks forward to returning to the games as he will compete in Judo. Standing a little over 6-feet tall, Blas will be competing in the +100kg category. A sport he started at the age of 14, Blas has his mind set on going for the gold.
Maria Dunn
Competing in her second Olympics, Dunn will put forth her best in the sport of wrestling. The recent University of Guam graduate worked diligently to qualify at a chance for London. However, the Federation Internationale des Luttes Associces were convinced that Dunn was one of three females who would get a direct invitation to the games. The 26-year-old Dunn will be competing in the 63kg weight class and hits the mat for competition on Aug. 8 at 10 p.m. Guam time.
Derek Horton
Riding in his second Summer Games, Horton is the most senior athlete on the team and will be competing in cycling. The 39-year-old qualified for the games at the 2012 Oceania Mountain Bike Championships in Rotorua, New Zealand. Horton’s last showing at the Olympics was in 2000 in Sydney. Horton will be competing on Aug. 12 at 10:30 p.m. Guam time.
